Free dinner for 100 puts faith into action

BANGOR – Janice Gunther wouldn’t claim to be a master chef, but she’ll tell you that her mashed potatoes are coming along quite nicely.

“I’ve never made them before [tonight], but I think they turned out all right,” Gunther said.

The 16-year-old from Bangor High School spent Sunday night with her youth fellowship group serving a free Christmas dinner to nearly 100 people from the Bangor community.

Not only did the fellowship group from St. John’s Episcopal Church serve a dinner, but the young people organized it, cooked the food and set all the tables – because they wanted to.

The group of 12 prepared chicken teriyaki, ham and pineapple, coleslaw and stir-fry vegetables, in addition to the mashed potatoes Gunther helped make.

And she would be quick to tell you this was no small accomplishment.

“This is the first time the youth group has organized a dinner like this,” Gunther said proudly.

St. John’s youth director, Stephen Dass, said the idea for the dinner began during a weekend retreat the youths attended in early December. They spent two days praying, learning, and trying to find some focus for the youth fellowship group.

“The kids were trying to find a way to put their faith into actions that serve concrete needs in the community,” Dass said. “Basically, all these kids had the same intention: They wanted to do good.”

The Rev. Kevin Holsapple, rector of St. John’s, saw the event as an opportunity for the youth to take initiative.

“This kind of activity integrates them,” Holsapple said. “They’ve helped out with the dinners the church puts on, but now they’re stepping up to the plate themselves.”

Even though “stepping up” meant giving up part of her Sunday evening, 13-year-old Kendra Jewett, from Hermon Middle School, was happy to be playing a part in the dinner. Jewett spent the evening serving a fine array of beverages, including holiday favorites eggnog and spiced apple cider.

“I think it’s a fun way to spend a Sunday evening and it’s good to give back to people – it’s Christmas,” Jewett said.

Toward the end of the dinner, the youths were met with smiles as they took turns giving out handmade ornaments and Christmas cards. And while people were eating, the youngsters got a chance to try some of their creations.

Shayna Ferguson, a 15-year-old from Hampden Academy, enjoyed the food immensely, albeit in brief fashion.

“It’s great,” Ferguson said. “Then when we’re done, we’re back to serving cookies.”